countyscore
42.2
County Score
Schools 73.2Cost of Living 67.8Lawn Care 58.5

County Report Card

About Barton County, Kansas

Struggling to Keep Pace Nationally

Barton County carries a composite score of 42.2, trailing the national median of 50.0. This indicates significant room for improvement across several socioeconomic dimensions.

Below the State Average

The county sits several points below the Kansas average of 49.5. Compared to its peers in the state, Barton faces tougher challenges in balancing its budget and economic growth.

Strong Schools and Housing Access

A school score of 73.2 is the county's standout feature, suggesting a strong commitment to local education. Housing is also quite affordable, with a cost score of 67.8 and median rent at $742.

Economic and Environmental Pressures

Income scores are low at 29.6, and the county faces environmental concerns with a water score of 31.5 and a risk score of 39.7. These factors combine with a high 1.662% tax rate to create financial strain.

A Focus on Local Education

Barton County is a viable option for parents who prioritize a good school system above other economic factors. It is best suited for those who can navigate a tight job market while enjoying the benefits of low-cost housing.

Score breakdown

Tax8Cost67.8Safety22.3Health45.1Schools73.2Income29.6Risk39.7Water31.5Weather40.9
🏛8
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠67.8
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼29.6
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡22.3
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤45.1
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓73.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡39.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧31.5
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤40.9
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨53.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱58.5
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Rush County
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42.7
Stafford County
Kansas
56.4
Rice County
Kansas
54.7
Russell County
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Ellsworth County
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Pawnee County
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Ellis County
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Deep Dives

Barton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Barton County

via TaxByCounty

Barton taxes above national median

Barton County's effective tax rate of 1.662% exceeds the national median of 1.4%, positioning it in the upper-middle range for property tax burden across America. Homeowners pay a median of $1,948 annually—28% below the national median of $2,690—due to Kansas's lower home values compared to the national average.

High-rate county in Kansas

Barton County ranks among Kansas's higher-taxing counties with an effective rate of 1.662%, above the state average of 1.549%. The median tax of $1,948 slightly exceeds Kansas's median of $1,943, reflecting Barton's moderate home value of $117,200.

Similar to Barber, higher than Bourbon

Barton County's 1.662% rate nearly matches Barber County's 1.663%, though Barton homeowners pay more annually ($1,948 vs. $1,542) due to higher home values. Barton also edges above Bourbon County's 1.670%, showing how rates cluster across this region.

Your Barton County tax bill

A homeowner with a $117,200 property in Barton County pays roughly $1,948 in annual property taxes at the current effective rate. With mortgage considerations, the bill reaches approximately $2,016, or drops to $1,865 without mortgage-related taxes.

Question your valuation

Barton County residents facing higher-than-average tax rates should scrutinize their property assessments carefully. Even a modest reduction in assessed value through a formal appeal can translate to significant annual savings given Barton's elevated rate structure.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Barton County

via CostByCounty

Barton County faces highest rent burden

Barton County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% ranks among the most strained in this analysis, exceeding national affordability limits by 1.6 percentage points. Despite rents of $742—slightly below national averages—lower household incomes of $56,733 create disproportionate housing burden.

Barton struggles most in Kansas

At 15.7%, Barton County's rent-to-income ratio peaks above the Kansas average of 14.7% by a full percentage point, marking it as the state's most affordability-challenged county examined. The median rent of $742 mirrors state averages, but paired with the lowest incomes analyzed, generates severe budget strain.

Barton and Barber compete for affordability

Barton's $742 rent virtually matches Barber County's $743, yet Barton renters face marginally worse affordability (15.7% vs. 15.5%) due to $782 lower incomes. Both counties represent the region's most cost-burdened rental markets despite low absolute rents.

Barton County's tight housing budget

Barton households earning $56,733 allocate $742 for rent (15.7% of income) or $771 for mortgages, consuming more proportional income than most Kansas peers. Median home values of $117,200 offer moderate purchase paths but remain challenging relative to local wage levels.

Barton requires careful affordability planning

Consider Barton County cautiously—rents consume more of your paycheck here than in most Kansas alternatives, and mortgage ratios demand careful savings. Explore higher-income opportunities locally or weigh relocation to less-strained counties like Bourbon or Brown before deciding.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Barton County

via IncomeByCounty

Barton County faces national income challenge

Barton County's median household income of $56,733 ranks 24% below the national median of $74,755. This substantial gap places the county among the lower-earning regions nationwide, typical of rural Great Plains communities.

Lowest income among these eight counties

Barton County's median household income of $56,733 trails the Kansas state average of $64,428 by $7,695, making it the lowest-earning county in this analysis. The per capita income of $31,835 sits below the state average of $34,748.

Struggling compared to peers

Barton County's $56,733 median household income ranks lowest among the eight counties examined, falling behind even Allen County ($57,618) and Barber County ($57,615). The modest income reflects dependence on agricultural employment and smaller manufacturing bases.

Housing strains household budgets

Barton County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.7% is the highest among these counties, meaning residents allocate a larger share of earnings to housing costs. With a median home value of $117,200, homeownership requires careful financial planning for most households.

Maximize every earning opportunity

Barton County households earning $56,733 need disciplined saving habits, targeting $567-$850 monthly in savings or investments. Taking advantage of employer benefits, seeking supplemental income, and consulting nonprofit credit counseling services can help residents overcome income constraints.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Barton County

via CrimeByCounty

Barton County Remains Below National Average

Barton County’s total crime rate of 1,994.0 per 100K is safely below the national average of 2,385.5. The county currently holds a safety score of 96.9 out of 100.

Safety Score Competitive with State Peers

The county's safety score of 96.9 is just slightly below the Kansas state average of 98.0. Five agencies report local data to ensure a clear picture of public safety trends.

Middle Ground for Regional Safety

While Barton County has more crime than neighboring Barber County, it is safer than Bourbon County at 2,124.3. It sits in a moderate position compared to other counties in the list.

Property Theft Is the Main Concern

Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,652.5 per 100K, far outstripping the violent crime rate of 341.5. This indicates that property loss is the most frequent type of incident reported.

Protect Your Home from Property Crime

With property incidents being the primary factor, securing entry points is essential. Regularly checking window locks and using timers for lights can discourage potential intruders.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Barton County

via HealthByCounty

Barton County approaches national average

At 74.7 years, Barton County falls short of the U.S. life expectancy of 80.1 years by over 5 years, though its 16.8% poor/fair health rate is slightly better than peers. The county shows room for improvement but some positive health indicators.

Near state average with mixed results

Barton County's 74.7-year life expectancy sits below Kansas's 75.4-year state average, though its poor/fair health rate of 16.8% is among the state's lower rates. This mixed profile suggests some health strengths offset by longevity challenges.

Mid-range on access and coverage

Barton County's 13.4% uninsured rate is the highest in this peer group, while its 64 primary care and 265 mental health providers per 100K show strong behavioral health investment. This provider imbalance suggests mental health initiatives may overshadow primary care access.

Uninsured rate strains system

At 13.4%, Barton County's uninsured rate—nearly 2 points above the state average—means over 1 in 7 residents lack financial access to care. Yet the county's 265 mental health providers per 100K (the highest in this cohort) indicates substantial investment in behavioral health capacity.

Address Barton's coverage gap

Barton County's 13.4% uninsured rate is the highest here—meaning real barriers to preventive and routine care for thousands. Explore Kansas marketplace plans and local federally qualified health centers that serve uninsured patients.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Barton County

via SchoolsByCounty

Barton County’s Diverse Fifteen-School Network

Barton County supports a robust network of 15 public schools serving 4,131 students across three districts. The infrastructure includes eight elementary schools, three middle schools, and four high schools. This comprehensive setup ensures specialized environments for every age group in the county.

Strong Scores and Significant Funding

The county achieves a 91.5% graduation rate, well above the national average of 87%. Per-pupil expenditure is a healthy $9,749, which surpasses the state average and helps drive a strong composite school score of 60.3. This financial commitment reflects a community deeply invested in its educational outcomes.

Great Bend Dominates the Educational Hub

The Great Bend district is the largest by far, managing 2,756 students across seven schools. Hoisington and Ellinwood Public Schools serve smaller populations of 773 and 462 students, respectively. Traditional public schools make up 100% of the county's options, with no charter schools currently in operation.

A Hub of Vibrant Town Schools

Ten schools are located in town settings while five are rural, creating a predominantly community-centered feel. Great Bend High School is the largest in the county with 913 students, offering a broad range of academic and athletic programs. The average school size of 275 maintains a balance between diverse opportunities and familiar faces.

Discover Quality Schools in Great Bend

Families looking for a high-performing district with urban amenities should consider the Great Bend area. With school scores exceeding state averages, buying a home here is a sound investment in your children's future. Barton County offers the ideal blend of community spirit and academic excellence.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Barton County

via RiskByCounty

Barton County faces moderate disaster risk

Barton County scores 60.31 on the national composite risk scale with a Relatively Low rating, placing it above the national average for natural disaster exposure. This score reflects a county where multiple hazards converge at meaningful levels rather than a single dominant threat. Residents should take tornado, wildfire, and flood risks seriously in their preparedness planning.

Among Kansas's riskier counties

Barton County's composite risk of 60.31 is more than double the Kansas state average of 29.89, ranking it in the state's upper tier of risk exposure. The county faces elevated hazard exposure across tornadoes (86.64), wildfire (74.08), and floods (42.75), creating a complex disaster landscape. This combination reflects Barton County's central Kansas geography and climate patterns.

Riskier than nearby eastern counties

Barton County (60.31) carries substantially more composite risk than Allen, Anderson, Atchison, and Brown counties to the east, all scoring under 18. However, it remains safer overall than Butler County (74.40) directly to the south. Barton County represents a transitional zone where disaster risk escalates noticeably westward and southward across central Kansas.

Tornadoes, wildfires, and floods converge

Barton County's tornado risk of 86.64 is its most severe hazard and approaches the highest exposures statewide. Wildfire risk of 74.08 and flood risk of 42.75 add substantial secondary concerns that demand preparation. Together, these three hazards create a multi-faceted disaster landscape requiring comprehensive household planning.

Multi-hazard preparedness essential

Barton County residents need comprehensive disaster plans addressing tornadoes (safe room, early warning systems), flooding (evacuation routes, flood insurance), and wildfires (defensible space, evacuation supplies). Flood insurance is critical and must be obtained 30 days before coverage starts, so evaluate your property's flood risk immediately. Review and practice your household emergency plan twice yearly to maintain readiness across multiple hazard types.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Barton County

via WeatherByCounty

A dry continental climate in America's heart

Barton County averages 54.3°F annually, which is roughly typical for the central United States. The region is relatively dry, receiving only 27.6 inches of precipitation per year.

Slightly cooler than the state average

The county's average temperature of 54.3°F is just under the Kansas state average of 54.8°F. Its annual precipitation of 27.6 inches also falls slightly below the state-wide average of 30.3 inches.

Drier than the eastern plains

Barton County receives about 10 inches less rain annually than Butler County to its southeast. However, Barton experiences more extreme heat, with 70 days over 90°F compared to Butler's 49 days.

Sharp contrasts between heat and snow

Residents face 70 days of extreme heat each year, concentrated in a summer that averages 76.1°F. Winter brings 13.4 inches of snow and a chilly January average of 30.3°F.

Plan for sun and seasonal swings

With 70 extreme heat days, reliable air conditioning and shade structures are vital for summer comfort. Residents should also be prepared for over a foot of snow during the fluctuating winter months.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Barton County

via SoilByCounty

Neutral and Balanced Prairie Soils

Barton County has an average soil pH of 6.78, which aligns almost perfectly with the Kansas state average of 6.80. This neutral pH is slightly higher than the national median of 6.5, providing an ideal environment for nutrient uptake. It is a balanced foundation that serves the heart of the state well.

A Versatile Mix of Sand and Silt

The soil contains 39.3% sand and 42.3% silt, with a smaller clay fraction of 18.4%. This combination offers a balanced texture that is easy to till while still holding enough moisture for crop development. It strikes a functional middle ground between heavy clay and loose sand.

Moderate Fertility in the Central Plains

Organic matter sits at 1.88%, which is below the state average of 2.22% and the national average of 2.0%. The available water capacity is 0.174 in/in, indicating a moderate ability to store water for plants. Supplementing with compost can help boost these numbers for home gardeners.

Steady Water Movement in Central Kansas

While specific drainage and hydrologic group data are not available, the balanced sand and silt content suggests reliable drainage. The moderate clay levels prevent the soil from becoming overly swampy after rains. Proper land grading remains important for managing runoff in this flat landscape.

Resilient Growing in Zone 6b

Barton County resides in Zone 6b, making it a prime location for traditional Kansas crops like wheat and sorghum. The neutral soil pH also makes it easy to grow a wide variety of flowers and vegetables without heavy amendments. Your gardening journey starts with this dependable central Kansas earth.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Barton County

via LawnByCounty

Barton County Aligns with State Standards

Barton County holds a lawn difficulty score of 58.5, nearly identical to the Kansas state average of 59.1. Located in Zone 6b, it offers a moderate growing environment that is still more successful than 50% of the United States. Residents can expect a standard level of effort to maintain a healthy green space.

Managing High Heat and Semi-Arid Cycles

The county endures 70 extreme heat days annually, putting significant stress on cool-season turf varieties. With annual precipitation at 27.6 inches, lawns here fall just short of the 30-inch ideal threshold, making supplemental watering necessary. Mowing should be limited during the peak of summer to avoid bruising heat-stressed grass blades.

Balanced pH and Moderate Sand Content

The soil pH in Barton County is a healthy 6.78, supporting strong nutrient absorption for most grass types. The texture is characterized by 18.4% clay and 39.3% sand, providing better drainage than many eastern Kansas counties. While specific drainage classes aren't recorded, the high sand percentage suggests a lower risk of waterlogged roots.

Resilience in the Face of Past Droughts

While 0% of the county is currently abnormally dry, the area did face 14 weeks of drought over the last year. This history suggests that homeowners should remain vigilant and prepared for rapid changes in soil moisture. Installing rain barrels can provide a useful backup water source for thirsty lawn patches during summer spikes.

Shorter Growing Windows in Barton County

Because the first fall frost arrives early on October 15, fall seeding should be completed by early September. Tall Fescue is recommended for its deep roots which can withstand the 70 days of heat better than Bluegrass. Ensure all spring planting is finished well after the April 24 last frost date to avoid tender shoot damage.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Barton County's county score?
Barton County, Kansas has a composite county score of 42.2 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Barton County rank among counties in Kansas?
Barton County ranks #78 among all counties in Kansas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Barton County, Kansas?
The median annual property tax in Barton County is $1,948, with an effective tax rate of 1.66%. This earns Barton County a tax score of 8/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Barton County?
The median household income in Barton County, Kansas is $56,733 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Barton County earns an income score of 29.6/100 on CountyScore.
Is Barton County, Kansas a good place to live?
Barton County scores 42.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #78 in Kansas. The best way to evaluate Barton County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Barton County with other counties side by side.

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Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.